I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's (age44-female) about 9 mths ago after experiencing a very rapid weight gain (20 lbs in 6 mths, another 10 the next 6 mths), fatigue, and muscle aches and swelling. However, I DO NOT have a high TSH (only 1.5). THe endodrinologist says the Hashimoto's is probably the cause of my weight gain but other drs. have said that the weight problem doesn't happen until one's TSH is affected. The endo put me on a low dose of natural thryoid anyway, but after 6 mths--I feel no different. Even with exercising (running, aerobics and weights-5 times a week for 45-1hour) and a very disciplined diet (1000 calories a day-low carb), I stll can't lose weight. I maintained this diet and exercise all through the time period--before, during, and since the weight gain--so there was no change in my diet and routine (except for maybe even more dligence). Could the Hashimoto's really be causing my problems? Or do you have any suggestions for what I should do next? thanks for any help.
I would urge you to get your doctor to do some hormone tests such as 24 hour urine collection for cortisol levels. Many of your symptons are ones that could be related to a pituitary disorder such as Cushings Disease. These are realtively rare but only because they are often undiagnosed for so long and are put down to other causes. Often the weight gain is just around the middle, face (moon face) and upper back (moon face).